3 answers
antonio
Student
Harvey, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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im trying to find out what i have to do to be a pharmacy aide
I am a junior in high school and I do music such as singing and hip hop but I need a back up plan if it doesn't go the way I plan. I just really want to know what it takes to be in in this field of work? what do I need to be aware of? #pharmacy #pharmacist
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3 answers
Carrie Carlton
Landlord/Pharmacist
1
Answer
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
I was a Pharmacist for 6 years at Walgreens. Pharmacy technicians are in high demand at retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens etc). I would apply for a job at a major retail pharmacy. After 6 months to a year, you usually can get the company to pay for you to take the licensing exam for the state you reside in to become a certified technician. I would then recommend looking into the hospital arena. The pay is usually higher in hospital and it is less stressful. I wouldn't mess with a class. I live in TN, USA.
Umar Ahmed
Medical Affairs Professional
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Umar’s Answer
Hi Antonio. I am a recent PharmD graduate. If you are in high school and want to pursue pharmacy I suggest doing a 5-6 year accelerated program at an accredited university i.e. MCPHS University, USP, LIU, North Eastern U, etc. However, the currently landscape in retail pharmacy is not ideal. Carrie suggests a high demand for pharmacy technicians, however, I have to honestly tell you that there are more lucrative opportunities than a pharmacy technician. If you want to be a pharmacist please share any specific reasons so I can provide better information.
Anthony Petrello
Pharmacist
49
Answers
Medford, New York
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Antonio,
By pharmacy aid, I assume you mean pharmacy technician and will be answering this question as such. However, if you meant becoming an actual pharmacist, I have many other responses to this question.
Becoming a technician is a lot more straightforward than becoming a pharmacist. However, there is one major catch, which is licensing. Some states (such as Maryland) require their pharmacy technicians to become licensed. However, other states (such as New York) do not.
It looks like you are in the state of Illinois. Here is a link that describes how to become a technician in Illinois https://ptcbtestprep.com/state-requirements/pharmacy-tech-license-illinois/.
The link is a bit misleading. At first, it states that candidates are not required to be certified but later states they must be licensed. There is a difference between certification and licensing in that licensing is necessary for the position, but certification is an additional step pharmacy technicians can take to further their qualifications. However, I note that you are allowed to start work as a technician for two months without being licensed. This is important because you can begin working in the position before committing to taking the courses and fulfilling the other licensing requirements. The experience you earn while working in those initial two months will surely be helpful for the licensing process.
The website above lists the steps required to be an Illinois pharmacy technician as:
1) Be at least 18 years-old
2) Have earned a high school diploma or GED
3) Have a clean criminal record without any felonies
4) Completed the recognized PTCB course
5) Pay a registration fee of at most $130
In many states, becoming a licensed technician requires passing an exam, but it sounds like it just requires taking an accredited course in Illinois. I’ll admit this is all pretty confusing. However, I highly suggest using the allotted two months to practice without a license to gain experience and ask your colleagues about the process. Also, if you are working, it is not unlikely your employer will pay for your registration fee and course.
Best of luck,
Anthony
By pharmacy aid, I assume you mean pharmacy technician and will be answering this question as such. However, if you meant becoming an actual pharmacist, I have many other responses to this question.
Becoming a technician is a lot more straightforward than becoming a pharmacist. However, there is one major catch, which is licensing. Some states (such as Maryland) require their pharmacy technicians to become licensed. However, other states (such as New York) do not.
It looks like you are in the state of Illinois. Here is a link that describes how to become a technician in Illinois https://ptcbtestprep.com/state-requirements/pharmacy-tech-license-illinois/.
The link is a bit misleading. At first, it states that candidates are not required to be certified but later states they must be licensed. There is a difference between certification and licensing in that licensing is necessary for the position, but certification is an additional step pharmacy technicians can take to further their qualifications. However, I note that you are allowed to start work as a technician for two months without being licensed. This is important because you can begin working in the position before committing to taking the courses and fulfilling the other licensing requirements. The experience you earn while working in those initial two months will surely be helpful for the licensing process.
The website above lists the steps required to be an Illinois pharmacy technician as:
1) Be at least 18 years-old
2) Have earned a high school diploma or GED
3) Have a clean criminal record without any felonies
4) Completed the recognized PTCB course
5) Pay a registration fee of at most $130
In many states, becoming a licensed technician requires passing an exam, but it sounds like it just requires taking an accredited course in Illinois. I’ll admit this is all pretty confusing. However, I highly suggest using the allotted two months to practice without a license to gain experience and ask your colleagues about the process. Also, if you are working, it is not unlikely your employer will pay for your registration fee and course.
Best of luck,
Anthony